Are we there yet? I often ask this when thinking about Tabor 100’s 23-year journey. The answer is…not quite!
However, 2021 did move us down the path to increased prosperity for our members and minority businesses
alike.
In response to numerous Black business failures, we launched our crowning achievement this year: the Black Business
Equity Fund (BBEF). In just a few months, the BBEF disbursed almost $500,000 to more than 25 deserving Black
businesses.
Along with creating the BBEF, we restructured the Board and welcomed a new group of dedicated, smart people to serve.
Our continued growth has allowed us to open a Seattle office in 2022!
Like everyone else, we started the year in pandemic mode, so we were thrilled to finally hold in-person General
Membership meetings. Despite this progress, we remained in a unique position compared to other minority non-profits
because we had to occupy our 8000 square foot TED HUB while workers continued to stay home.
To help get people out again, we offered vaccines at the HUB and recruited volunteers for local efforts to administer
Covid tests and vaccines.
Due to these efforts, along with the Tabor community’s support, we kept the HUB full and functional – holding over
50 events and adding 67 new members. In all, 3398 people visited. Former Tabor 100 Presidents Glenn Tyner and Craig
Dawson even dropped by!
In May, County Executive Dow Constantine chose our venue to host his pro-equity in contracting news conference,
allowing us to proudly display the HUB to the media again.
As always, we hosted well-attended candidate forums at our regular meetings for candidates running for Port
Commissioner, County Executive, Mayor of Seattle, Tukwila City Council, Seattle City Attorney, and Seattle City
Council.
Thank you for helping make 2021 a success through adversity. Please consider giving your time and talent to Tabor 100 as we move forward.